Reed Presents Posthumous Bronze Star, Purple Heart to Family of WWII Veteran

CRANSTON, RI - A late World War II veteran from Johnston is being posthumously recognized for his heroic actions as a soldier in combat. Over eighty years after the late Domenic A. Mastronardi, Jr. helped his fellow soldiers liberate Rome, U.S. Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee and a former U.S. Army officer, today held a special ceremony of remembrance to celebrate Mr. Mastronardi's meritorious service during World War II and present his family with military honors he earned in combat, including a Bronze Star.

Mr. Mastronardi passed away in 2001 after a courageous, five-year battle with ALS.

Today, family members recounted Domenic's colorful experience growing up as the son of Italian immigrants on Federal Hill, where he was one of eight siblings. Enlisting in the U.S. Army in April 1943 at the age of 18, Domenic left his family's home on Courtland Street and went on to help his fellow American and Allied servicemembers liberate Italy and other parts of Europe from the grips of Axis forces.

Serving as a rifleman in Company G, 135^th Infantry Regiment of the 34^th "Red Bull" Infantry Division, Private First Class Mastronardi saw intense combat while participating in the Naples-Foggia campaign and subsequent battles that led to the June 4, 1944 fall of Rome from Axis control - marking the first time Allied forces liberated an Axis capital, just two days before the Allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day. The 34^th "Red Bull" was the first American division to be deployed overseas during World War II and the men of the 135^th Infantry were among the first Allied servicemembers to enter the city of Rome.

Today, Senator Reed presented Mr. Mastronardi's family with several medals and commendations he earned, including the Purple Heart Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the nation's oldest military honor which was established by President George Washington and is awarded to servicemembers wounded or killed in combat. The Oak Leaf Cluster attachment denotes that Mr. Mastronardi received two Purple Hearts for injuries received in combat.

"Domenic Mastronardi selflessly served our nation in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was injured twice in fierce combat, helping American and Allied forces beat back the Axis forces from Italy. We recognize his uncommon courage and exemplary conduct. He went above and beyond the call of duty. It is my honor to salute his heroism and present his family with the medals and commendations he earned," said Senator Reed. "When Domenic returned home from war, he continued finding ways to serve others and help make a difference, including as a coach and mentor for local youth through the Scouts and baseball. We are forever grateful and indebted to brave men like Domenic Mastronardi Jr. It is important we continue to share their stories with younger generations and uplift their examples of selfless service and sacrifice."

"My dad was a very special man. For my family and me, these medals mean a tremendous amount. I'm thankful for Senator Reed and his team for connecting us with these military honors. They will forever remind us of my dad and his remarkable service to our nation," said Diane Mastronardi, the daughter of Domenic Mastronardi.

Returning home after being discharged from the U.S. Army, Mr. Mastronardi married the love of his life, Mary, and put down roots in Johnston to raise their three children. Well-known throughout his community for civic leadership and involvement, he served as a scout master at St. Rocco's church and boys' youth baseball coach. As a skilled carpenter, Mr. Mastronardi took great pride in his craft as a cabinet maker. He enjoyed stamp collecting and sharing his love of family and life's simple pleasures with all who were lucky enough to meet him.

The fourth-highest ranking military award for individual meritorious service in combat, the Bronze Star Medal is a prestigious honor that was established during World War II to recognize servicemembers who displayed uncommon heroism in the field.

In addition to the Bronze Star Medal, Private First Class Mastronardi earned the following military honors that were presented to his family by Senator Reed at today's special ceremony:

• Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster
• Good Conduct Medal
• American Defense Service Medal
• European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 2 bronze service stars
• World War II Victory Medal
• Combat Infantryman Badge
• Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII

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